Made to Measure Narrowboat Covers in Rugby

Rugby Boating Community

The Oxford Canal and Grand Union Canal near Rugby attract a wide range of boat types — from traditional narrowboats and wide-beams to day boats and hire-fleet cruisers. Our narrowboat covers are made without reference to model specifications — we work from your existing cover as a cutting pattern, so a precise replica is possible for any hull shape, no matter how unusual or vintage.

We receive orders from Rugby boat owners who have struggled to source covers for older or uncommon boats from mainstream suppliers. Because we use the original cover as our template rather than a database of standard patterns, a bespoke copy from us fits better than any off-the-shelf alternative. Whether your boat lives on the Oxford Canal or spends time on the Grand Union Canal, the cover we make will be cut to your boat's exact profile.

Narrowboat Covers Prices for Rugby Boat Owners

Bespoke narrowboat covers start from £289 — and we don't charge VAT, saving you 20% compared to most suppliers. Our covers include heavy-duty marine PVC or breathable acrylic canvas, anti-wick thread, and stainless steel fittings. The final price depends on the length of your narrowboat, the number of features (doors, windows, cratch boards), and which fabric you choose. We can also patch or repair existing narrowboat covers from £89.

For Rugby boat owners mooring on the Oxford Canal, our no-VAT pricing represents a saving of at least £58 on a starting-price narrowboat cover compared to a VAT-registered supplier — and often considerably more on larger or more complex covers.

View the full price list or contact Ryan for a personalised quote for your Oxford Canal boat — most quotes are turned around within one working day.

Marine Fabrics & Materials

Narrowboat covers need to withstand constant wind, rain, and UV exposure on the canal. We use 400 g/m² marine PVC for maximum waterproofing, or Sunbrella acrylic for superior breathability — ideal for narrowboats that are lived on year-round. All seams are double-sewn with anti-wick thread, and all zips are heavy-duty YKK marine grade. Fixings are stainless steel press studs or bungee cord loops to suit your existing fittings.

For Rugby boats mooring year-round on the Oxford Canal, the choice between PVC and acrylic usually comes down to whether breathability (acrylic) or maximum waterproofing (PVC) is the priority — Ryan is happy to advise based on your specific mooring and how frequently you use the boat.

Read more about our fabric and materials choices, including which options work best for canal conditions like those on the Oxford Canal near Rugby.

How to Order Narrowboat Covers from Rugby

Our postal copy service means Rugby boat owners don't need to visit our workshop in person. Here is how it works:

1. Step 1 — Post your cover: Post your existing narrowboat cover (or a traced paper pattern) to our Oxfordshire workshop — no need to bring the boat.
2. Step 2 — We make your cover: We use your old cover as an exact template, cutting and sewing a perfect replica in your chosen marine fabric. Any worn zips, windows, or fixings are replaced as standard.
3. Step 3 — Receive your cover: Your new narrowboat cover is dispatched by tracked courier within 6 working days of us receiving your old cover.

Learn more about the postal copy service

Frequently Asked Questions